Soliciting Upgrade Advice


I’ve been reading numerous threads on this forum in an attempt to isolate what would generally be regarded as the “best” pair of speakers in the 5K range. I understand that “best” in this context can be both subjective and objective. I listen to two channel only. While my primary musical preference is Grateful Dead, on occasion I’ve been known to throw on Mozart.

I currently have JBL S412P speakers and recently bought an M6si amp. Now before you guys trash the speakers (because I realize it may be a stretch to even consider them audiophile grade), I can tell you I’ve listened to quite a few speakers in my day, including the relatively new to market Golden Ear Triton One’s, and I still feel the 412s hold their own (if not sound even better). And yes, I know that there are Von Schweikerts to be had at 50K and even JBL makes an Everest model at a 50K price point, unfortunately that’s out of my reach.

Also, I’m told the JBL Array 1400 can annihilate the 412s. While that may be true, spec wise it doesn’t appear that way. I’m not simply looking for speakers to handle more wattage. The Array 1400’s appear to me at face value to be more-of-the-same (with respect to the 412s).

So, my dilemma – although it’s not a bad one to have – is because I’m budget constrained to 5K, do I stay with my JBL S412Ps or should I “upgrade” and if so, to what?
128x128gdhal
Ofher than the fact that you own JBL speakers and a MF amp and that you listen to the Greatful Dead and Mozart, there is really no indication of what aspects of sound reproduction as it pertains to speakers or anything else is most important to you. How in the world are any of us going to give you a meaningful or even semi-informed opinion unless you tell us more about what specifically you're looking to improve upon? Details like imaging, soundstaging, tonality, timber, PRaT, micro or macro dynamics, disappearing, bass, treble, mids, etc. etc. Until you specify what's important to you and what you're looking to improve upon this is just an inefficient crapshoot littered with individual preferences that may or may not have anything to do with what you're looking for. And it's a shame because there are loads of great options in your price range. Not trying to be an ass here, but garbage in garbage out. More info would be most helpful. And we're all trying to help here.
Soix, without knowing anything else (i.e. disregard all of things I'm looking to improve, etc.), would you consider any of these models an "upgrade":

http://www.whathifi.com/news/10-worlds-most-expensive-loudspeakers
Gdhal,

Answers to your last post won't get you any closer to answering your original question.

You've got basically two approaches. In both cases explain what aspects of sound you are looking to prioritize & build a list from replies of "contenders". Then

A) Visit dealers & demo as many of the contenders as possible and go from there: (home demo w/your amp & room >> buy from dealer)

B) Research online a wide variety of opinions characterizing the contenders and narrowing to probable winners then monitor ads to buy one used at a fair price and consider your used purchase an extended home demo. If you aren't happy, you can resell and try another contender.

Speakers have more variety than other types of components and personal taste will definitely come into play. Synergy with your amp is critical to musical satisfaction. Until you hear any speakers w/your amp you won't know whether or not the pairing will make you happy in the long run. Cheers,
Spencer
...got it. great suggestions... thanks to all who have responded... I have plenty of info to go on...